📕 Goshuin from visitors
Hofu Tenmangu
防府市松崎町１４−１
This shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane and is known as the 'first Tenmangu in Japan.' It is considered one of the Three Great Tenjin Shrines of Japan, alongside Kitano Tenmangu and Dazaifu Tenmangu, and is revered as the deity of learning.
Enshrined deities
Sugawara-no-Michizane (Tenjin), Kotoshironushi-no-Kami (Ebisu)
History
Founded in 904 CE (Engi 4), the year after the death of Sugawara no Michizane. Legend has it that while on his way to Dazaifu, Michizane stopped in Hofu and said, 'This place is still within the Emperor's domain; I wish to make my dwelling here.' Based on its founding date, it is referred to as 'Fusou Kanbyo Saisho,' meaning the first Tenjin shrine established in Japan.
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What visitors say
The shrine grounds feature approximately 1,100 plum trees, offering beautiful scenery with flowers blooming in each season. While the area in front of the worship hall (haiden) is lively, the area behind the main hall (honden) and the subsidiary shrines provide a calm atmosphere for worship. Parking can get crowded, so arriving early is recommended. Facilities include Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamp) reception and barrier-free toilets.
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:30 – 20:00
- Tuesday: 8:30 – 20:00
- Wednesday: 8:30 – 20:00
- Thursday: 8:30 – 20:00
- Friday: 8:30 – 20:00
- Saturday: 8:30 – 20:00
- Sunday: 8:30 – 20:00
Annual events & festivals
- January 1 onwardHatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
The deity of learning, enshrined at what is said to be Japan's first Tenmangu shrine.
It is said to be Japan's first Tenmangu shrine, enshrining Sugawara no Michizane. As the deity of learning, it is bustling with students praying for passing exams and visitors during the New Year. It is also a famous spot for plum blossoms.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Japan's first Tenmangu shrine
- ・Prayers for passing exams
- ・Famous spot for plum blossoms
- August 3-5Gontanshin-sai (Mandou Matsuri / Festival of Ten Thousand Lamps)
A festival celebrating the birth of Michizane, where the grounds are enveloped in countless lights.
Held from August 3 to 5, this festival celebrates the birth of Sugawara no Michizane. The shrine grounds are enveloped in the light of countless lanterns and candles, and events such as calligraphy exhibitions are also held.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Celebration of Michizane's birth
- ・Light of ten thousand lamps
- ・Calligraphy exhibition
- November, 4th SaturdayGoshinko-sai (Hadaka-bou Matsuri / Naked Monk Festival)
One of Japan's three great Tenjin festivals. Naked monks carry the mikoshi and run up the stone steps.
Held on the fourth Saturday of November, this is one of Japan's three great Tenjin festivals. Thousands of 'Hadaka-bou' (naked monks) in white ritual garments carry the mikoshi (portable shrine) and run up the steep stone steps in a vigorous display.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・One of Japan's three great Tenjin festivals
- ・Vigorous carrying by naked monks
- ・Running up the stone steps
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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